Termite Facts

You probably don’t want to think too much about termites, especially if you’re a home owner who has dealt with them in the past. But, even though they are pretty annoying and expensive pests, they are pretty interesting insects. Here are some things you probably never would have imagined.

Termite Facts!

It has been estimated there may be 1,000 pounds of termites for every human on earth.

A termite mound found in Africa was measured to be 42 feet high – roughly the size of a two-story house.

Some termites build freestanding mud tubes as they look for wood to feed on. One documented tube found in a U.S. home was 12 feet long and went from floor to ceiling.

An Amazonian culture believes that if a termite colony is found in a home, the home’s owner will die soon. The only way for the homeowner to escape this imminent death is to move out of the home or terminate the colony.

The queens of one African species can grow to be five inches long. It can also lay up to 30,000 eggs a day.

Termites never sleep because they work 24 hours a day.

Scientists believe termites appeared on Earth more than 250 million years ago.

Termites tend to avoid light.

Subterranean termites can be found in every state – except Alaska.

A colony of Formosan termites can eat through 1,000 pounds of wood per year.

Queen termites can live 15-25 years – laying an egg every 15 seconds.

Though they often resemble ants, termites are actually more closely related to cockroaches.

Still Pests

Even though termites are very interesting creatures, and also beneficial to the environment in that they are able to break down old trees and thus make way for new growth, they are still not beneficial to your house and the wooden structures that make up your house. If you notice any signs of a termite infestation, you’ll want to call a certified pest exterminator immediately.